IMPORTANT DATES FOR CYCLE 8

Scroll futures fund FUTURES FUND INFORMATIONThe Futures Fund is an annual grant program administered by The Luminary to support innovative, experimental, and forward-thinking artistic projects in the St. Louis region. Launched in 2019, the Futures Fund is part of the Regional Regranting Program of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, a national initiative designed to advance independent, artist-led practices through localized, community-based support.The Regional Regranting Program currently includes 36 partner organizations in cities across the United States and Puerto Rico—from San Juan to Seattle, Mobile to Minneapolis—each responding to the specific needs and creative ecosystems of their local context. Over the past decade, this network has collectively awarded more than $4.7 million in funding and supported over 1,000 independent art projects, making it one of the most impactful grassroots arts funding efforts in the country.As the St. Louis partner in this expansive network, the Futures Fund plays a critical role in resourcing local artists and small collectives at a time when direct project funding remains scarce. The fund provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $8,000 to projects that are bold in concept, deeply engaged with their communities, and responsive to the complex realities of contemporary life. Key considerations for selection include a project’s potential impact, its originality within both regional and national contexts, and its commitment to equity, sustainability, and accessibility.In a cultural landscape marked by the closure of artist-run spaces and shrinking institutional support, the Futures Fund encourages new ways of thinking, making, and organizing. It exists to sustain the region’s creative vitality, support artists as cultural leaders, and imagine more just and expansive futures—both for St. Louis and beyond. WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE ELIGIBLE? -Projects that are initiated by individual artists and collectives within the St. Louis region-Projects that take place within 40 miles of Downtown St. Louis-Projects that have a strong visual arts component and visual impact-Projects organized and implemented by (but not limited to) visual artists, curators, writers, cultural organizers, collectives, collaboratives, or artist-run collectives-Projects that are open and accessible to the public-Projects that are innovative to the St. Louis area PREFERRED PROJECT CRITERIA -Demonstrate a commitment to community-building, education and/or experimentation-Respond to contemporary issues of the moment with distinct new models or approaches to arts organizing-Have a longstanding impact and visibility for visual arts in the region-Prioritize expanding the conversation of arts and criticism within St. Louis, in context with the greater Contemporary Art World. EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE PROJECTS -New artist-driven organizations, institutions, collaborations and spaces for presenting and experiencing art and performance.-Visual arts projects that prioritize engagement or collaboration with other cultural practitioners, community members, and organizations.-Research projects that center a visual arts inquiry and have a public-facing component, such as a lecture or pedagogical program, attached.-Socially-responsive projects such as alternative education projects, microcinemas, mutual aid initiatives and more, wherein visual art is the focal point or vehicle for engagement.-Publications and online networks for distribution of artworks, arts writing, and information-Public art projects such as murals, outdoor sculptures, or installations with a temporary or permanent physical presence WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE? -Projects organized by existing incorporated businesses (includes LLCs, B Corps, state non-profits, 501(c)(3) organizations, and 501(c)(4) organizations), universities or schools (private, public, charter), religious institutions*-Projects seeking to get support retroactively or seeking reimbursement-Projects that are in support of one individual artist and their solo practice in their studio-Projects without a public-facing component*Please note: Artist-led projects can be located at otherwise excluded incorporated businesses (see above), but the project must be distinct and separate from that organization’s regular programming. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the Futures Fund team in advance of applying. IMPORTANT DATES FOR CYCLE 8 March 10th: Application OpensMarch 24: Info Session on-site at The LuminaryApril 9th: Info Session 2 on ZoomMay 5th: Application ClosesEnd of May 2026: All applicants notified, 75% of funds disbursed to granteesMid June: Public announcement and celebration partyMarch 2027: Project review and reflectionFunded projects must commence between June 1, 2026 and May 31, 2027 Importantlinks → Apply Now → Budget Template → Info Session Presentation → Info Session Recording Frequently asked questions The application process is designed to provide the Futures Fund with the most complete picture possible of the goal, scope, and viability of each project. We encourage open and honest communication between applicants and the Fund. Who selects the grant recipients? The Luminary invites arts organizers, curators or artists (two local, one out of town), to serve on a review committee. This year’s panelists will be announced March 10th. Reflecting a range of valuable perspectives, these panelists will review all of the submitted materials and then convene to discuss the applications. The panelists will then develop a shortlist of projects of possible grantees and then The Luminary will extend final invitations to grantees. How many grants will be awarded? We will award a total of up to $60,000 in grants between $2,500 and $8000 each. We expect to award approximately 10-12 grants with an average award of $5000. We strongly recommend asking for the realistic amount needed to fund the project and pay collaborators. At w